News had begun to spread of a forest-like and mountainous island with few inhabitants south-west of Amia. The south coast of the island consists of a small village town, where some residents have mysteriously disappeared. There are talks of wailing noises at night, odd kidnappings of 'beautiful' and 'handsome' people alongside dangers such as undead, necromancers, and ogres. Events wrapped around unsolved crimes and deaths lead to a tale of revenge from a banshee. It was clear the island the inhabitants call 'Hale' had problems of its own. A layer of history, strange people, and current events may unfold more in due time.

Adventurers may find a certain ship captain in Wharftown will offer to take anyone to the island.

The Warlord of Tempus was among the first to arrive on the island town and quickly set to work, leading a small band of adventurers into the towns prominent graveyard. Returning some time later somewhat harried from battle. The calm and collected Tempuran left her squad to set up a minor base of operations within a small room in the local Inn. Focusing her interest on the militia and the towns defence. Periodically throughout the day she could be seen patrolling the border of the town, geared to fight.

To those who stuck around the island after the recent events in the Graveyard, the citizens had become more paranoid since. Citizens wouldn't dare to step in the graveyard. There were talks about swallowing their pride and asking help from local druids to the north forest may aid in a Hallowing. The people of the small coastal town seemed particularly fed up with the Mayor Dan Hedgeburg, not only with his inability to ask for help from the druids of the island but the on-going rises of taxes and the overall low pay of workers. Farmers, brothel workers, militia men and more would work tirelessly at their jobs.

The militia guards would gladly welcome Elwyn to their Barracks. It was simply a building with weapons on racks and plated armours on stands. There would also be folders in bookshelves containing all documented reports and crimes, should she ask the local desk-worker for any information.

Meanwhile, there were many sights and peculiar citizens on the coastal town. Shopkeepers selling weapons, armour and other adventuring gear. A temple of Lathander. An old alchemist often heading out to the forest and returning back to the local inn with a heavy brown sack. Occasionally there would be citizens who would set flowers at the doorstep of a two-floor home, at the middle of the town. They say a vocal coach named Arthur lived there, father of a recently deceased celebrity bardess.

For now, there was no wailing coming from the graveyard, though a local farmer claims to have seen a hooded and brown cloaked figure head there the night after.

The elf known as Sylveera Guststride would mostly keep to herself and keep steady eyes on the every day of the villages citizen. In her mind there was something going on under the cozy exterior of the village. She would not be crude or rude but mostly just kept to herself or spoke in short bursts with anyone approaching. Perhaps some discussion with Elwyn about the ordeal on the island. She would if possible take trips to the forest and keep tabs on the mayor and his daughter.

In the couple of days following the initial attack, the stoic Warlord maintains a busy presence within the township. Having moved into the barracks with the militia she occasionally was seen joining in on their patrols where she would talk casually with them and getting to know each of them. The off-duty hours were spent in research of the towns criminal records and history, Occasionally speaking with other members of her band about the town.

The elf known as Sylveera Guststride would mostly keep to herself and keep steady eyes on the every day of the villages citizen. In her mind there was something going on under the cozy exterior of the village. She would not be crude or rude but mostly just kept to herself or spoke in short bursts with anyone approaching. Perhaps some discussion with Elwyn about the ordeal on the island. She would if possible take trips to the forest and keep tabs on the mayor and his daughter.

The Mayor, Dan Hedgeburg, would often be tending to his front garden. A fair few would greet the man during the evening, though during dark hours he would occasionally visit the local town hall with a sack of gold. He wouldn't notice the elf keeping tabs on him.

As for Serena, the Mayor's daughter, would occasionally head to the forest. The forest front of the coastal town seemed to have a campsite of its own. Druids tending to the local wildlife and rangers training with knives and bow. Serena would often be found at the campsite with the other rangers. On the first day, she would later venture out to the east side of the forest, a coastal side with more thicker bushes and patch of mushrooms. She would glance around her surroundings, pick up a small yellow mushroom, before heading back to the encampment. The ranger would be home ready for dinner with her father at night. The next couple of days, she would be back to training with the other rangers.

In the couple of days following the initial attack, the stoic Warlord maintains a busy presence within the township. Having moved into the barracks with the militia she occasionally was seen joining in on their patrols where she would talk casually with them and getting to know each of them. The off-duty hours were spent in research of the towns criminal records and history, Occasionally speaking with other members of her band about the town.

Elwyn would learn that the former captain of the militia was a man named Reinhardt who died a month ago, though the team seems to be in some disarray with figuring out who leads them. Many of the militia members appear rather laidback, claiming that the rangers to the forest deal with the ogres at the mountainous north side of the island. There was clearly a lack of discipline, sometimes claiming they'd do a better job if they were paid better. Though they would treat Elwyn with kindness and respect, carrying a general curiosity about who the war knight is. The folders for the history and criminal records were relatively small, though contained some interesting information...

The Elf would go on with her day, mostly doing the same thing as she did before. Luckily for her...or the militia she did not scold them and try to organize them. But one evening after having a chat with Elwyn, the elf decided to check on the house of the murder. At first trying to speak to the father of the dead woman. If not allowed she would try convince the man that it is for his best if his daughter can be put to rest and this case be solved.

After a brief absence from Hale, the Warlord could be seen returning by ship and carting two large crates behind her as she returned to the small town. Setting these boxes just outside of the barracks the Warlord began setting up what appeared to be a training grounds. Setting up both archery targets and combat dummies in an open field nearby. After personally testing the equipment to ensure it would hold up, she'd direct the militia to her make-shift training grounds. Those expecting the Warlord to be easy going would find she was a brutal yet efficient drill master. A stark contrast from the easy-going person she was when she was off-duty. After a couple of hours of intense drilling, the men were dismissed back to their regular duties. The Warlord returned to her spot in the barracks where she continued researching for the remainder of the day.

The training did not go entirely unrewarded, as late in the afternoon, any of the militia going to the tavern would find their meals and drinks have been paid in full and in advance. "Courtesy of the Warlord." being the answer to any confusion.

After a brief absence from Hale, the Warlord could be seen returning by ship and carting two large crates behind her as she returned to the small town. Setting these boxes just outside of the barracks the Warlord began setting up what appeared to be a training grounds. Setting up both archery targets and combat dummies in an open field nearby. After personally testing the equipment to ensure it would hold up, she'd direct the militia to her make-shift training grounds. Those expecting the Warlord to be easy going would find she was a brutal yet efficient drill master. A stark contrast from the easy-going person she was when she was off-duty. After a couple of hours of intense drilling, the men were dismissed back to their regular duties. The Warlord returned to her spot in the barracks where she continued researching for the remainder of the day.

The training did not go entirely unrewarded, as late in the afternoon, any of the militia going to the tavern would find their meals and drinks have been paid in full and in advance. "Courtesy of the Warlord." being the answer to any confusion.

Few of the militia would initially complain at the sudden effort they had to pull, yet they went along with it, perhaps showing a hint of fear towards the Warlord. Their thoughts had changed once they had a free meal and drink later in the day. It seems the notion of low-pay was compensated by what they'd consider this as a gift.

The Elven archer, ranger and scout would roll her eyes at the militia and the Warlords "brutal" training. She would offer to train them in archery for one evening, of course! No Elven secrets of archery but the art of archery she could teach em without giving away the Elven Art of the Arcane Archer. She would probably be even more of a tyrant than her Warlord friend, nor was there any reward if any took her up on the training. To her, she said, the mastery of the archery! To extend the bow to be like a bodypart, was a reward in itself. After this evening or if non showed up, she would continue her scouting and stalking about Hale!

The Elven archer, ranger and scout would roll her eyes at the militia and the Warlords "brutal" training. She would offer to train them in archery for one evening, of course! No Elven secrets of archery but the art of archery she could teach em without giving away the Elven Art of the Arcane Archer. She would probably be even more of a tyrant than her Warlord friend, nor was there any reward if any took her up on the training. To her, she said, the mastery of the archery! To extend the bow to be like a bodypart, was a reward in itself. After this evening or if non showed up, she would continue her scouting and stalking about Hale!

A few would turn up to the session, mostly the ones that were practising using the archery targets Elwyn had set up. They appeared to be newer recruits who weren't too skilled in blade and shield, which made up a small portion. As long as they didn't have to go through any intense drills, there were no complaints. Their aim with the bow improved slightly compared to when the session started, picking up key lessons well from the elf.

Another day and another session of training was spent with the Warlord. Much the same as the previous session, the men are taught the necessary qualities in being a soldier, courage, teamwork and skill. On top of that, they are then put through an intense session of unit tactics training, encouraging them to work as a team to accomplish a goal. The Warlord was no less brutal than before, perhaps the militiamen were even used to her by now. The Warlord also kept an eye out for any potential leaders amongst them, anyone showing exemplary signs of cunningness or leadership ability, even above actual skill were put in positions allowing them to take charge of the exercise.

Once again, meal and drinks were paid for in advance, but for those men who performed exceptionally well during training were also treated to an extra round of drinks and even a decadent dessert the Warlord had brought in from Okappa's restaurant in Cordor. Naturally, those whom performed averagely or poorly missed out.

Another day and another session of training was spent with the Warlord. Much the same as the previous session, the men are taught the necessary qualities in being a soldier, courage, teamwork and skill. On top of that, they are then put through an intense session of unit tactics training, encouraging them to work as a team to accomplish a goal. The Warlord was no less brutal than before, perhaps the militiamen were even used to her by now. The Warlord also kept an eye out for any potential leaders amongst them, anyone showing exemplary signs of cunningness or leadership ability, even above actual skill were put in positions allowing them to take charge of the exercise.

Once again, meal and drinks were paid for in advance, but for those men who performed exceptionally well during training were also treated to an extra round of drinks and even a decadent dessert the Warlord had brought in from Okappa's restaurant in Cordor. Naturally, those whom performed averagely or poorly missed out.

And vaguely, "Excellence is rewarded in kind."

The Elf curiously followed the drilling and offered her own archer lessons again. Typicallt he same kind of tyranny minus any drinks and food. The lesson itself was the payment in her mind. In the evening she would sit in the inn and look at the others, rolling her eyes as Elwyn bought them drinks and dinner. Of course, she would not show this to Elwyn and she would just do a nod and drink her own water as if nothing happended around her.

Dark days finally lead to a small period of respite after Mayor Dan Hedgeburg's call for help once again from the adventurers guild. It started off with loud shrieks from a small distance near the town Hale, then dark fog and undead. The adventurers had arrived just in time to fend the undead in the local graveyard where the local militia was struggling. After moments of doubt, the fog and feeling of negative energy had finally been lifted. It appears one mystery has been solved.

Four adventurers consisting of a hobgoblin, a human monk, cleric, and wizard had arrived in Hale. The usual business occurred where the Mayor Dan Hedgeburg hired volunteers to cleanse and hallow the graveyard once and for all. They arrived back from the graveyard, speaking to the Mayor and his daughter about the ongoing issues. Since then and all previous efforts to deal with the problems, the militia and people had fully opened to the trust of adventurers and volunteers alike. Though they were not too reliant, for the militia placed more effort and drive in their duties. Overall the townspeople are relieved now that the western graveyard is free of threats, feeling much safer in their own homes.

A certain female ranger could have been seen handing a report to the local militia of the coastal village in Hale. News has gradually begun to spread that the Ogres to the northern mountainous area have occasionally been spotted eavesdropping on the local grove, though wouldn't step further than the 'almost' crossroad border in the forest.

The militia in the coastal village has currently been focusing their efforts in their training, as well as polishing and fixing their gear in preparation for the worst. Meanwhile, the rangers and druids of the forest are on high alert, where more than one would stand watch on the guard towers, keeping an eye out of the north.

Meanwhile, in Wharftown, a certain ship captain can be seen doing his usual business, spending time at the local inn before the next sail.

News had spread that three captives of the twelve missing people, a commoner woman, a militia member and a blacksmith, were brought back to Hale thanks to a group of brave heroes. Over the coming days, they would mostly stick to themselves indoors, apparently left with some emotional scars, though also happy to be reunited with their families.

Thanks to the abundance of metals, ores, and equipment retrieved from the ogre mountains, and advised by some outsiders of Hale, the Mayor had ordered they would be exported and sold in the mainland. Ships returned with imported goods consisting of livestock and gold. The local herders aided in gathering some of the livestock into caravans, which were later sent off north to the forest with some militia guards. If anyone staying on the island asked where the caravan was headed to, the cart driver would simply say: "To Grump". The people would make it safely back to the town after the trips.

As with general business in the town, the taxes appeared to have lowered and wages increased ever slightly. The militia remained focused and disciplined with the aid of the warlord, former warlord, and an elf.

After two days the returned militiaman is put into training with the rest of the guardsmen. Pairing each of them up she has the pairs spar one another, making the rounds between each group until she was completely satisfied with their combat manoeuvres and formations. Just another day in the Hale army...

Rewards, again, involve a full meal and free drinks. Decadent desserts for those who prove themselves worthy in the eyes of the veteran fighter.

The former mayor Felicia Odgers and her mother, Sally Odgers, have locked themselves in the local inn over the coming days, grieving for their father who didn't make it during the recent rescue mission. Many of the citizens would pay their respects to the families of the other two non-survivors. The Mayor Dan Hedgeburg himself could be seen handing a heavily filled bag of gold to these families, regarding it as a kind donation from a certain elf adventurer. The bodies were taken to the undertaker who works in the now cleansed graveyard, in preparation for the funeral.

As with general life in the coastal town, other than the citizen's grieving state, there would be rumors that the Mayor has been speaking to those around about a possible and temporary alliance with the Ogres. Mayor Dan Hedgeburg was unsure of the idea himself which had been proposed by 'outside help', seeking the opinions of the townspeople. Whilst more than half of the population would have bitter resentment towards the ogres, given their long history of the island, others were more than happy for the sake of the fallen over the past month and so, including the events of the banshee.

A donation of 50,000 gold was given to the militia, where the local desk-worker in the barracks decided that those who have aided in disciplining them should decide what to do with the donation. The druids and rangers in the grove would stay vigilant, keeping an eye out for any hag-like figures. Even the Mayor's daughter, Serena, would camp at night in the forests, not returning home to her father in the coastal town.

Overall, it was clear to the citizens that things were getting serious. Whilst trade was also bustling (exports and imports from the mainland) and treasures found in the ogre cave a fortnight ago, the militia began to upgrade their gear and arm up, shops opened to sell their best wares and a funeral was set.

// I'll be on client-side tonight for this (23/05) and any interactions players had with the NPCs. Starting sometime around 8 to 9 PM GMT.

After the adventures of tonight, Ania could be seen setting up her fortifications at the entries to the town from the west and north. Sturdy barricades that have withstood countless battles now form a blockade. After these have been set up with the assistance of some of the militia and Andre'us Larson, Ania leaves the barricades in the Warlord's hands, leaving Hale shortly after.

After her announcement to the whole town that an attack was imminent, the Warlord immediately set to work in rounding off the Militias training with the siege barricades before gearing them up in the best equipment her money was able to buy from the local arms merchant. And lastly, with little to no pomp or circumstance she anointed a commander to lead the militia, choosing someone who was equal parts popular and skilled amongst the men.

Once the new commander was settled into his position, he would take over for the Warlord who then explored the town, looking for the most defensible building the civilians could flee too in the event of an attack.

Sylveera in an odd for her, stroke of kindness and charity puts her full effort and knowledge into supporting the weak and old. Trying to see into their needs and tell em what to do in case of the attack. In her mind, they need to be evacuated but if they do not insist on it. She will help em here.

Elwyn finally took rest for herself. It was an uneasy rest, the worries of Hales defence weighing heavily upon her already busy mind. After sleeping well into the morning she woke with a start, some unknown terror in her sleep waking her. Drawing in a deep breath and sighing heavily she brings herself back into reality from the hazy vestiges of her nightmare. She started her day without breakfast and drew out a map of the town on a spare piece of nearby parchment and begun drawing the structures, roads and forest thickets surrounding the town.

The sun was at its zenith when Elwyn finally left the quiet solitude of the barracks and waded into the forest to seek out the archdruid, Izuke, with whom she discussed plans of a great battle that was imminent. Sparing no detail, she suggested and even attempted to coerce if necessary the archdruid to have his people shape the land and forest to pitch the battle in Hale's favour.

The militia began to follow the usual training routine, preparing for the defense offered by the warlord. They were geared to their best thanks to the generous donation during the most recent auction, stronger longswords, suited heavy plate and tower shields. The new commander, Dylan, would make sure the militia knew how to handle the siege barricades, formations, and other procedures during the time of tension. There were several safe places to evacuate in case of the worst scenario. One was an underground passage under the Mayor's house which leads to what appears to be an ant mount, was actually an exit under the sand nearby the docks. Another method was to simply use the ships and have it a distance away from the island for the time being.

Later on one evening, Izuke can be seen standing by the border of the grove in the forest with an iron blade at hand. Upon uttering an incantation and slamming the blade onto the ground, the ground begins to shift. The earth shifts with wavelike crests and troughs, with the earth reacting with glacierlike fluidity. It appears he has taken Elwyn's request seriously. A horizontal pit-like structure begins to form at the border. Finally, the Rangers began to construct a bridge across the pit and small towers using old and recycled wood gathered.

Recently there have been rumors of two ghostly yet warm presences near the old altar of Lathander of the graveyard. If one were to go near the entrance of the graveyard during the daytime, sounds of a woman's soft singing and a melody from a flute can be heard, only faintly as if whispers in the wind.

Early in the morning just before Dawn two new figures would appear on the isle seemingly brought in from the strong sea winds them selves they landed in town. One towering figure dressed in gleaming copper toned Armour and donning a winged helm and a cloak with a silken symbol of Lathander embroidered in to the fabric. He Was here a previous day with the usual adventuring crowd, seen with the Red Paladin known as Sevrin. This winged towering figure had however arrived with a winged figure of shorter statures more than a foot shorter than this towering man. For any whom may have caught sight of the pair they seemed to radiate a warm glow where ever they went, pushing back darkness liek a beacon of light in the night. A set of gleaming prismatic wings on the taller and sparkling opalescent on the shorter.

The taller of the pair would lead the shorter towards the grave yard, lighting a ball of sanctified incense along the way. The morning songs known to those of the Dawns singers were played in the Grave yard. Votive candles were lit and the larger of the winged pair settled to play a cantele for the morning song as prayers were given. It seemed this taller being took these religious rituals of giving praise and propper respect during the dawn light hours very seriously.

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❤ Amia is Fun Again! ❤ #GreenisNotACreativeColour"It's easy to feel like a hero. It's a little harder to be one."

This trip was something of an arduous one for the shorter of the pair, the silver-haired youth trailing along beside the taller winged one. He wasn't absolutely certain of their destination seeing as he had never traveled to this place before so he was following the lead of the other. The expression on his face was one of seriousness as he aided the larger in his self-appointed tasks. He knew that this was something to be taken seriously and he behaved accordingly, sticking close to the larger as he folded his opalescent wings behind him.

The people of the coastal town begin to prepare for evacuation, gathering their rations and supplies before hiding out in the underground tunnel. Barricades were placed at the entrance to the graveyard and the forest, as well as ballistic weaponry, should the town be breached. In the forest, Rangers begin to stand a top of the newly constructed towers, able to keep a watch of the entire forest ahead of the new chasm. The ogres kept a defense line at the mountains with a few blue ogres keeping their mind-blanks up. Meanwhile, the graveyard was empty, though the sound of flute and soft soprano vocals continued in the distant wind.

Sailors would continue to take adventurers to Hale from Wharftown docks. It was clear they were paid to do so.

The Warlord went around the village checking the barricades and fortifications and the wariness of the militia, ensuring each and every one of them was ready for the coming battle. With each group she offered small comfort of another rousing tale of her own past experiences in warfare. This time a tale of acting in the face of fear and that there is glory to be found in both victory and in death in the battlefield. She ends the lesson with a few familiar words; "The Night is Always Darkest Before Dawn."

Once she was done she would continue checking the tree lines, her eyes on the horizon until the break of war...

News regarding the death of Serena had caused the Mayor Dan Hedgeburg to drown in sorrow, locking himself in his own home. Flowers would arrive at his doorstep, which would eventually be taken in at night when no one was watching, or so he thought. He wouldn't answer to any knockings, simply telling visitors to 'go away'. Word later spreads out that Dan Hedgeburg has retired from his duties, so a new election will take place.

Now that the threat is gone, thanks to some heroic Amians and the like, everyday business came as per usual. Trade was blossoming ever than before, including shipments from outside the island and trade between the ogres and town. Taxes were lowered considerably since the beginning of the kidnappings. There was now a closer bond between the Hale grove members, the coastal village and the ogres, who were dubbed the 'Grumpettes' by their leader. The ogres were taught well to breed livestock, never causing a fuss for the humans again but rather explored the western side of Hale in pursuit of expanding their lands. The druids also began to revive the land there after a recent blight was removed.

In the graveyard, any singing or a melody composing of flute was no longer heard. The last three men who were kidnapped some months ago eventually resumed back to their normal lives. The survivors out of the twelve would have a tale to tell to the young children, although a frightening one, another of great importance. Many deaths had taken place during the past months, something which was soon to be acknowledged as a funeral service and also ceremony was about to take place. Hopefully, no disguised enemies make a mockery this time around!

"For from death comes life, and there is always another morning to turn a setback into a success..."

The funeral had turned out just fine after all, despite a hunched-back old priestess causing some paranoia during the ceremony. Many had offered flowers and a certain paladin went out of his way to fully bury the graves which a deviant undertaker failed to fulfill as part of his duties. Regardless of the strange and silly drama between the priestess and her husband, the undertaker, it was a breath of fresh air to see troubles that weren't so life-threatening, for the people of Hale. The celebration lasted for a day. Brooches were handed to each militia member and adventurer who took part in helping the town's troubles.

Despite the casualties, hope had prospered in the end. Former Mayor Dan Hedgeburg had given up his ways of greed and turned to community service after the death of his daughter, realising things shouldn't be taken for granted in life. He started by helping the farmers tend to their fields and working with the livestock. He was also a surprising, yet experienced diplomat, jesting fine words to the Ogre Leader Grump. Felicia and Arthur could occasionally be seen either communicating like civil adults or bickering, they were the faces of the town after all, candidates to a Mayorship. Both had moved on, despite losing loved ones the past ten days. With the new elections in mind, the archdruid Izuke in the grove found someone he could work with, as long as it wasn't Dan Hedgeburg, as he occasionally visited the town more than he did before.

Posters which were calls for help in Amia from Hale were no longer a sight. Captain Jason still remained by Wharftown, either drinking to his hearts contents or offering his sail for any particular need of travel.